Finding fun and engaging activities for your family can be a challenge, especially when you’re all stuck at home. If you’re looking for something to do together this summer, why not try some outdoor family games? From classic lawn games to creative active play, we’ve got 40 great ideas for outdoor family fun. So grab the kids and get ready for some competitive (or cooperative!) action!
1. Bean Bag Toss
This classic game is sure to bring lots of laughter and fun. All you need is a few bean bags and a target board with different sized holes for scoring points. It’s easy to make your own or buy one online.
2. Hula Hoop Toss
Set up some hula hoops in the yard and see who can toss a ball or beanbag through them. Make it a relay race if you have enough hula hoops!
3. Balloon Stomp
Blow up a bunch of balloons and drop them into a large area. Divide into teams and see who can stomp the most balloons in one minute.
4. Egg and Spoon Race
Grab some spoons and hard -boiled eggs and have a race to see who can get across the finish line first without dropping their egg!
5. Water Balloon Fight
Fill up some water balloons and break into teams for an all-out water balloon fight! Make sure to set some ground rules so that no one gets hurt.
6. Sack Race
Grab some old burlap sacks and have a race to see who can get to the finish line first! Make sure to give everyone a head start for fairness.
7. Potato Sack Jump
Fill up some old potato sacks and have everyone jump from one to the other! See who can jump the farthest without falling out of the sack .
8. Kick the Can
This classic outdoor game is a great way to get some exercise and have fun. Set up a “can” in the middle of the yard and see who can kick it the furthest without being caught by the other players! 9. Obstacle Course:
Create an obstacle course with hula hoops, cones, and other objects for a fun physical challenge! Make it as easy or as hard as you want.
10. Frisbee Golf
Set up a course with targets in the yard and see who can get their frisbees closest to the target! You can also use regular golf balls if you don’t have frisbees.
11. Croquet
This classic lawn game is perfect for a summer afternoon. Set up a course in the yard and see who can get their balls through the wickets first. It’s just as fun to watch or cheer each other on!
12. Backyard Bowling
Set up some pins and grab a ball or use empty soda bottles filled with water as pins. See who can knock down the most pins in one round!
13. Scavenger Hunt
Hide some fun items around the yard and let the kids go on a scavenger hunt to find them! This is a great way to get everyone out of the house and exploring.
14. Slackline
Set up a slackline between two trees or poles and see who can stay on the line the longest. It’s harder than it looks, but a great way to practice balance!
15. Sponge Tag
Fill up some sponges with water and have a game of tag! Whoever gets tagged has to drop their sponge and start over from the beginning.
16. Capture the Flag
Hide two flags in different locations and divide into teams. The objective is for each team to retrieve the opposing team’s flag without getting caught! This is a great way to practice strategy and get a little exercise.
17. Tug of War
Grab two long ropes and challenge your family to a game of tug of war! Make sure to take turns and pick teams evenly so no one gets left out.
18. Twister
Set up this classic game in your backyard for a fun twist on the traditional game. Make sure to keep an eye on the youngest players so they don’t get too tangled up!
19. Giant Jenga
Find some large pieces of wood or logs and create your own giant jenga set. Stack the pieces in a tower and take turns pulling them out without toppling it over!
20. Giant Checkers
Use some large stones or logs to make your own giant checkers set. Play a game of checkers on the grass for an extra challenge!
21. Water Gun Fight
Grab some water guns and fill up a kiddie pool for an awesome water battle! Make sure to give everyone equal amounts of water so no one gets left out of the fun.
22. Hot Potato
Pass around a “hot potato” (can be anything from a stuffed animal to a balloon) and see who can keep it the longest before it pops or someone drops it!
23. Water Balloon Toss
Divide into two teams and see who can keep their water balloon in the air the longest. Make sure to switch up partners so no one gets too wet!
24. Bird Watching
Grab a bird guide book and binoculars for a fun outdoor activity. See how many different kinds of birds you can identify in your backyard!
25. Climbing Trees
Find a sturdy tree and climb to the top for an awesome view! Make sure to keep a close eye on younger kids so they don’t fall.
26. Beach Volleyball
Head to the beach for a game of volleyball! Set up a net and have some friendly competition. Make sure everyone takes turns so no one gets left out.
27. Sidewalk Chalk
Grab some sidewalk chalk and let your kids draw whatever they like on the pavement! Let their imaginations run wild with all the colors and shapes they can create.
28. Beach Scavenger Hunt
Head to the beach and have a scavenger hunt for shells, sea glass, and other treasures! The kids will love searching around for all the different things they can find.
29. Horseshoes
Set up a horseshoe course or use two poles for an easier game. See who can get the most points by throwing their horseshoes around the poles!
30. Spikeball
Set up a round net with a beach ball and see who can hit it back and forth the longest without it touching the ground. This is sure to be a hit!
31. Cornhole
Grab some bean bags and set up this classic lawn game. See who can get the most points by throwing their bags into the hole in the board!
32. Badminton
Grab a badminton set and challenge your family to a game of this classic sport. Make sure to keep an eye on younger kids so they don’t get whacked by a wayward birdie!
33. Bocce Ball
Grab a bocce ball set and have a game of this outdoor classic. See who can get the most points by getting their balls closest to the target!
34. Croquet
Set up a croquet course and challenge your family to a game of this classic sport. Make sure to keep an eye on younger kids so they don’t accidentally whack each other with the mallets.
35. Capture The Flag
Split into two teams and play a game of capture the flag in your backyard! Make sure to keep an eye on younger players so they don’t wander off while trying to capture the other team’s flag.
36. Bubble Blowing Contest
Gather everyone around for a bubble blowing contest! See who can blow the biggest and most creative bubbles for extra points.
37. Balloon Stomp
Fill up some balloons with a little bit of water and have the kids stomp on them! Make sure to keep an eye on younger kids so they don’t get too wild with their stomping.
38. Sack Races
Grab some burlap sacks and race across the lawn ! See who can cross the finish line first for extra bragging rights.
39. Tire Swing
Hang up a tire swing and have some old-fashioned fun! Make sure everyone takes turns so no one misses out on the fun.
40. Flashlight Tag
Play a game of tag in the dark with flashlights! This is sure to be an exciting game as you try to catch and avoid each other in the dark.
Conclusion
These 40 outdoor family games are sure to keep your family entertained and active this summer. From water balloon tosses to flashlight tag, you’ll find something fun for everyone! So grab some friends and family and get outside for some fun in the sun.